Getting a Passport in Wood River IL: Forms Facilities Tips

Getting a Passport in Wood River, IL

Wood River residents in Madison County typically seek passports for flights from St. Louis Lambert (STL, 30-min drive) or O'Hare (ORD, 4 hrs), Mexico/Caribbean getaways, or SIUE student programs in Edwardsville. Demand surges March-May (spring break) and July (summer peaks), with local facilities booking 2-4 weeks ahead—start 6-8 weeks early for routine processing or 2-3 weeks for expedited (+$60). Winter holidays see urgent spikes from job moves. Applications go through U.S. Department of State via appointment-only acceptance facilities (post offices, county clerks—no routine walk-ins). Top local pitfalls: invalid photos (25% rejections due to size/lighting), incorrect form (DS-11 vs. DS-82), missing minor consents, uncertified birth certificates.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Avoid 30% of local delays with this decision guide. Use the flowchart, then table for details.

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Decision Flowchart:

Start → Prior U.S. passport?
  ├── No → DS-11 (new/in-person)
  └── Yes → Issued at 16+? <15 years ago? Undamaged? Name matches ID?
      ├── No → DS-11 (in-person)
      └── Yes → DS-82 (mail renewal)

What to Expect at Facilities: 30-60 min appt—agent verifies docs/ID, administers oath, seals app, issues receipt (no passport on-site). Track at travel.state.gov (starts 7-

10 days post-submission). Wood River tip: Off-peak (Oct-Feb) processes faster for St. Louis commuters; SIUE students often need name-change docs (bring Madison County marriage cert).

Confirm via travel.state.gov wizard. For replacements: Report lost/stolen via DS-64 online first (5 min, required).

Gather Required Documents and Photos

One checklist fits all—photocopy originals front/back on 8.5x11 white paper (extras help rejections).

Universal Requirements:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Certified birth certificate (IL DPH online/dph.illinois.gov or Madison County Clerk, Edwardsville—allow 1-2 weeks), naturalization cert, or prior passport.
• Photo ID: IL driver's license/REAL ID + secondary (e.g., Social Security card if name mismatch).
• Photo: One 2x2" color print (<6 months old), white background, neutral expression. Local options: Walgreens/CVS in Wood River (470 N Illinois St) or Alton (~$15; use state.gov photo tool for validation).

Photo Specs Visual Guide:

[Head size: 1-1.375" from chin to crown]
  +-------------------+
  |     White BG      |
  |   [Neutral Face]  | ← No smile, glasses, hats, shadows, selfies
  |                   |
  +-------------------+ ← Exactly 2x2"

Scenario Add-Ons:

• Name/gender change: Marriage/divorce/court order originals.
• Minors <16: Both parents present or notarized DS-3053 (complete after DS-11).
• Fees: See table below (personal check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee to facility).

Local Sourcing: Birth certs via Madison Clerk (157 N Main St, Edwardsville) or IL DPH—certified copies only.

Step-by-Step Checklist to Apply

1. Run Wizard: travel.state.gov → Determine form (DS-11/82/3053/64).
2. Gather: Originals + 2 photocopy sets, 2 photos, fees.

   Passport Type	Application Fee	Execution Fee	Expedited	1-2 Day Delivery
   Adult Book	$130	$35	+$60	+$21.36
   Adult Card	$30	$35	+$60	+$21.36
   Child Book	$100	$35	+$60	+$21.36

| Child Card | $15 | $35 | +$60 | +$21.36 | 3. Book Appt: Use table below (USPS/County online). 4. Attend: Arrive 15 min early; no pre-signing DS-11. Agent reviews/oath/seals. 5. Track/Receive: Online (7-10 days start); mailed in 6-8 weeks routine.

Renewal Shortcut: Eligible? Mail DS-82 kit—no appt/execution fee.

Local Facilities in Madison County

Book via links (appointments required; peaks fill 2-4 weeks out). Expect doc review, oath, 30-60 min. Wood River PO suits quick local needs; Edwardsville handles SIUE volume.

Interactive Map (Pinned to Facilities):

Pro tips: Photo fails hit 25%—get extras; minors need full docs; Edwardsville for complex cases (St. Louis proximity).

Travel Tips for Illinois Residents

STL (I-270 access) or ORD for intl; ensure 6-month validity (Europe/Mexico). Cruises: Full passport beats birth cert + ID. SIUE exchanges: Factor student schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Walk-ins possible? Rare—book USPS/County; emergencies call agency.

Peak summer timelines? 6-8 weeks routine; expedite for IL surges.

Child consent? DS-3053 notarized or court order; sole custody via State Dept.

**10-year expired r

enewable?** Yes via DS-82 if adult-issued/undamaged.

Birth cert? Certified from IL DPH/Madison Clerk.

Expedite renewal? +$60 mail.

Lost abroad? U.S. embassy; replace on return.

IL cruises? Passport recommended.

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passports for Children
[3] U.S. Department of State - Get a Passport in a Hurry
[4] Illinois Department of Public Health - Vital Records
[5] USPS - Passport Services
[6] Madison County Clerk - Passports
[7] U.S. Department of State - International Travel